Portable hygiene station

ABSTRACT

Various aspects of a portable hygiene station are disclosed herein. In one embodiment a portable hygiene station comprises a base. The base comprises a support surface; a bowl adjacent the support surface, the bowl having a drain aperture near a bottom surface thereof; and a basin substantially beneath the bowl for receiving water from the drain aperture. The hygiene station also includes a removable water source and a support member coupled to the base for supporting the water source over the base. In some embodiments, a handle attached onto the base, wherein the handle may be used as the support member for supporting the water source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/803,864, filed by Diana L. Staats on Mar. 21, 2013, entitled “PORTABLE SHAMPOO SYSTEM,” contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application is directed, in general, to grooming and hygiene devices and, more specifically, to a portable hygiene station used for cleansing and washing parts of the human body such as hair and head.

BACKGROUND

Persons who have limited mobility, including hospital and home bound patients, are often unable to bathe and cleanse themselves in a bath or shower. While sponge baths are available for cleansing a patient's body, there are very limited options available for cleansing a patient's hair. While certain caregivers and stylists are able to use cleansers that require little or no water, there are various difficulties involved with shampooing, conditioning, and other hair care regimens that require the use of water. Ladies, in particular, generally desire to have their hair cleansed and styled using water rinseable products, which is difficult to do when there is no access to a plumbing source such as a faucet, etc. Accordingly, what is needed is a portable hygiene station that enables a care giver to cleanse and care for hair using traditional cleansing shampoo and cleaning products which require water.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a portable hygiene station that enables a care giver to cleanse a person's hair, face, upper body and head using water in conjunction with shampoo, face cleansing, and other head, face, and body care products.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided one embodiment of a portable hygiene station. The station comprises a base, the base comprising a support surface and a bowl adjacent the support surface, the bowl having a drain aperture near a bottom surface thereof. A basin may be coupled to the base and positioned substantially beneath the bowl for receiving water from the drain aperture. The station may also comprise a removable water source and a support member coupled to the base for supporting the water source over the base.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a hygiene station. The method comprises forming a base, the base comprising a support surface and a bowl adjacent the support surface, the bowl having a drain aperture near a bottom surface thereof. The method further includes forming a basin and coupling the basin to the base and positioning the basin substantially beneath the bowl for receiving water from the drain aperture. The method further comprises providing a removable water source; and coupling a support member to the base for supporting the water source over the base.

In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a portable hygiene system. The portable hygiene system comprises a portable hygiene station, the station comprising a base comprising a support surface, the support surface having a contoured configuration. The base also includes a bowl adjacent the support surface, the bowl having a drain aperture near a bottom surface thereof. A basin may be coupled to the base and positioned substantially beneath the bowl for receiving water from the drain aperture. The hygiene station also includes a removable water source; a support member coupled to the base for supporting the water source over the base; and a handle coupled onto the base. The system includes an external drain line coupled onto the base for draining the water from the hygiene station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a portable hygiene station according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of a portable hygiene station according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of yet another embodiment of a portable hygiene station according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is another embodiment of a portable hygiene station according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is yet another embodiment of a portable hygiene station according to the present disclosure having a handle in an extended position; and

FIG. 5B is another view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B showing the handle in a storage position; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a portable hygiene station according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The ability for care givers and stylists to cleanse and care for a person or patient having limited or no mobility has heretofore involved sponge baths and the like, the use of hair cleansing products that do not generally require water, and or having to manipulate a person's head in an uncomfortable manner to be able to rinse cleansing products from hair. For example, hanging a person's head over a side of the bed, having the person attempt to duck their head under a faucet, and the like. Various attempts have been made to use water while the patient remains in a chair or bed, including a hand-held faucet, buckets, and various embodiments of washbowls, inter alia. The previous attempts required proximity to a sink, faucet, or other running water source and drain such that the water can be supplied.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular, FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of a portable hygiene station 100 according to the present disclosure. The hygiene station 100 enables a care giver to wash a person's head without having to be in close proximity to a plumbing or running water source such as a faucet, etc. or fixed drain, such as a sink, etc. The portable hygiene station 100 is a self-contained, portable system for hygiene activities such as, for example, shampooing, that allows a caretaker/individual to easily shampoo a person's hair who is unable to do so themselves because of various health reasons. The hygiene station 100 is fully contained and does not require an attached plumbing source for either water supply or liquid disposal, therefore allowing it to be fully portable. In addition to hair cleansing, the hygiene station 100 may be utilized for facial cleansing and care, upper body care, and other cleansing and hygiene procedures for which direct water flow may be utilized.

The hygiene station 100 comprises a base 102, the base including a support surface 104 for supporting a person's neck and shoulders, and adjacent the support surface is a bowl 106 over which the person's head and hair will rest above. In a bottom surface of the bowl 106 may be a drain aperture 108 for draining water and particulates from the bowl 106. A basin 110 may be coupled to the base 102 and positioned substantially beneath the bowl 106 and drain aperture 108 for receiving water and particulates draining therethrough. The drain aperture may be a simply drain opening, or may comprise a drain hardware similar to those found in traditional sinks, such as a metallic disc having holes therein, or other various drain hardware fixtures. The basin 110 may comprise one or more handles 112 for ease of removal for cleaning and draining. About or near a back side of the basin 110 relative to the base 102, there may be an external drain 114 such that the contents of the basin 110 may be drained to an external source. The external drain 114 may be configured having a threaded end such that a hose may be attached thereto for draining the contents to a nearby container, sink, and the like. Further, a threaded cap 115 or plug may be provided for plugging the external drain 124 when not in use. The threaded cap 115 may be fabricated comprising rubbers, plastics, polymers, metals, and other suitable materials used for drain plugs, caps, and the like. The external source may also be a container such as a bucket or receptacle placed beneath the drain 114 for further disposal.

In some embodiments, the base may have an aperture adjacent the bowl for receiving a vertical support structure, such as hangar 120, thereinto. The hangar extends upward and comprises a hook 122 from which a portable water source 124 may be hung and supported thereon. The water source 124 may be a pliable water bag made from plastics, rubbers, and the like, or other suitable constructions or configurations for storing water therein. The water source 124 includes a dispenser 126 from which the water may be dispensed downward over a person's head and hair and ultimately into the bowl 106. The dispenser may comprise a hose, tubing, or extended nozzle attached to the water source, or other suitable dispensing structure which enables direct wetting onto the head of a person placed into the hygiene station 100. The dispenser 126 preferably may be opened and closed with one hand such that a care giver may maintain one hand free for other use. For example, a pliable water bag may have a dispenser 126 which is a pressure sensitive opening such that water is only dispensed therefrom when the water bag is squeezed. Alternatively, the water source 124 may provide water via gravity by simply allowing the water to flow freely from the dispenser 126. However, when desired, the dispenser 126 may be squeezed for, but the dispenser 126 may be squeezed for a more pressured water flow. The dispenser 126 may also comprise a clip, clamp, or other closing mechanism or configuration which may be easily opened and closed with one hand.

In one embodiment, the dispenser 126 is a length of tubing coupled to the water source 124 and having a clamp positioned thereon such that the water flow may be stopped and started using only one hand. The dispenser 126 includes an opening at the distal end thereof such that water may be directed onto various portions and positions of a person positioned in the hygiene station 100.

Accordingly, a person or patient receiving care using the hygiene station 100 may have their hair, face, and/or upper body washed and shampooed using fresh water without requiring a plumbing or fixed water source nearby. Accordingly, the care giver can dispense water onto the hair from the water source 124, then close the dispenser 126 while the shampoo is applied and lathered into the hair. Once the lathering is complete, the shampoo may then be rinsed using the water in water source 124 and the water and particulates collect in the bowl 106 and drain down into the basin 110 through the drain aperture 108. Once the hair cleansing and care is complete, the water and particulates may be removed from the basin 100 by either removing the basin 110 using the handles 112, or by using the external drain 114.

Accordingly, the support surface 104 is configured having a contoured configuration such that the base 102 is ergonomically configured for comfortable support of the neck and shoulders of a person resting thereon, such that any strain or pressure to the person's neck or back are minimized. In some embodiments, padding may be added onto the support surface 104, such as a pillow, towel, or like padded support may be attached thereon. In some configurations, the person may be resting in a lying down position, but in some configurations, the person may be in a sitting, yet reclined position.

The base may constructed from various materials, including plastics, polymers, metals, and other materials known to those skilled in the art which are relatively light in weight, sturdy, and durable such that the hygiene system is capable for supporting the weight of a person's head and upper body weight, such as, e.g., neck and shoulder weight, in addition to the water supply, and capable of withstanding frequent transport to and from different locations. In one embodiment, the weight of the hygiene station may be less than about 12 pounds, without any water housed therein, such that the hygiene station is relatively light weight for ease of portability. In one embodiment, the base is constructed using a thermoplastic such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The bowl may be formed using various manufacturing process including injection molding, and other processes for molding and forming plastics and polymers. If metal materials such as aluminum are used, presses and welding processes may be used and other suitable processes used in metal working. The basin 110 and other components which may be coupled to the base 102 may also be constructed with the same or substantially similar materials as used for construction of the base 102.

In some embodiments, the water source 124 may have a capacity of about 3 to 5 quarts, while the basin 110 may have a capacity of about 5 to 7 quarts. In most embodiments, the basin 110 will have a capacity greater than the water source 124 such that the basin can accommodate not only the water from the water source 124, but the rinsed shampoo, other products, and particulates washed from the head and hair. Other embodiments may comprise a water source 124 having a larger or smaller capacity for water or liquids therein. As the capacity of the water source 124 increases, the capacity of the basin 110 may also increase to be able to hold the water dispensed from the water source along with additional particulates and products also washed from the hair and head.

In some embodiments, the base 102 may comprise a solid bottom surface 128, or may be hollow underneath. If the bottom surface 128 is solid, the bottom surface may be constructed having a textured surface or may have a non-skid material applied thereto for safety and stability. A rubber or like material may be used for the non-skid material. In some embodiments, a non-skid material may also be applied along the outer perimeter of the bottom surface 128 for added stability.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown another embodiment of a portable hygiene station 200 according to the present disclosure. The hygiene station 200 comprises base 202 having a support surface 204 and a bowl 206 adjacent the support surface. A basin 210 is coupled beneath the base 202 for receiving water and particulates draining from bowl 206. An external drain 214 is shown extending outward from a back side of basin 210 for draining to an external receptacle. Hygiene station 200 likewise comprises a hangar 220 having a hook 222 for hanging and supporting a water source 224 thereon.

The hygiene station 200 also comprises a handle 230 coupled on a back surface of the base 202. The handle 230 may be used during transport of the hygiene station 200 and may also be used for position adjustment once placed on a surface. The handle 230 may telescope and extend upwards out from and thereafter be collapsed into a handle compartment 232 coupled onto the base 202. In addition to ease of transport, the handle 230 may be useful for hanging other tools and instruments such as a towel, an accessory kit for brushes, combs, and various other tools and the like for use by the care giver or stylist. In some embodiments, the handle 230 may also be used for hanging and supporting the water source 224 having dispenser 226 coupled thereon.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown another embodiment of a portable hygiene station 300 according to the present disclosure. The hygiene station 300 may comprise a base 302 having a basin 308 coupled to and positioned there beneath. External drain aperture 314 is positioned on a back wall of basin 308 for draining contents therein to an external receptacle when necessary. Hygiene station 300 likewise comprises a handle 330 which may extend from and be collapsed into handle compartment 332 at a back of the base 302. In this embodiment, the handle 330 is providing the vertical support for water source 324, which may be hung from the handle by removable hook 322 supported from the handle 330.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown another embodiment of a hygiene station 400. The hygiene station 400 comprises a base 402 having a basin 410 coupled there below by hinges 440. The hinges 440 enable basin 410 to be opened for ease of cleaning and removal of particulates from the basin 410. The handles 412 on base 402 may be used for handling and movement of base 402, or also for ease of access to basin 410 for opening and closing the basin 410. Once closed, the basin 410 may be held into position by a snap or tension fit, or a latch 442, or similar locking mechanism which mates with a tab 444 on the basin 410 may be utilized. In this embodiment, the base 402 has an opening therein for storing handle 430 within the base 402. The handle 430 may be configured as a telescoping handle that can be extended upward and collapsed back down into the base 402.

Referring now to FIG. 5A and 5B, there is shown an embodiment of a portable hygiene station 500 having a foldable handle 530 shown in a first position extended upward from base 502 in FIG. A, and a folded down position in FIG. 5B. The folded down position as shown in FIG. 5B may enable the hygiene station to be transported more easily in a more compact position, requiring less room in a transport vehicle or compartment. As shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, some embodiments may comprise the handle 530 coupled directly to base 502 and not stored within a handle compartment as shown hereinabove in conjunction with other embodiments. Accordingly, various different styles and configurations of handles may be used with the hygiene station 500.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a portable hygiene station according to the present disclosure. The method includes forming the base, the base including a support surface and a bowl adjacent the support surface. The bowl may be formed with a drain aperture in a bottom surface thereof, or the bowl may be formed and the drain aperture created thereafter and a drain hardware fixture placed therein. A basin is formed and coupled to the base at a position substantially beneath the bowl such that the basin receives any water and particulates that drain from the bowl. Once the base is formed and the basin coupled thereto, a portable water source is provided and a support member for hanging and supporting the water source is coupled to the base for hanging the water source over the bowl.

Those skilled in the art to which this application relates will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable hygiene station, comprising: a base, the base comprising: a support surface; and a bowl adjacent the support surface, the bowl having a drain aperture near a bottom surface thereof; and a basin coupled to the base and positioned substantially beneath the bowl for receiving water from the drain aperture; a removable water source; and a support member coupled to the base for supporting the water source over the base.
 2. The hygiene station according to claim 1, further comprising a handle.
 3. The hygiene station according to claim 2, wherein the support member for supporting the water source is the handle.
 4. The hygiene station according to claim 1, wherein the support member for supporting the water source is a hangar supported in the base and extending vertically therefrom.
 5. The hygiene station according the claim 1, wherein the basin is hingedly coupled beneath the bowl such that the basin may be opened.
 6. The hygiene station according to claim 1, wherein the base further comprises an external drain aperture for draining to an external source.
 7. The hygiene station according to claim 6, wherein the external drain aperture comprises an attachment member for receiving a hose thereon.
 8. The hygiene station according to claim 2, wherein the handle rests within a handle compartment coupled onto a back side of the base.
 9. The hygiene station according to claim 2, wherein the handle is configured for telescoping upward from a storage position to an extended position.
 10. The hygiene station according to claim 2, wherein the handle is configured for folding between a storage position and an extended position.
 11. The hygiene station according to claim 1, wherein the support surface has a contoured and padded upper surface upon which a person's neck and shoulders rest.
 12. A method for manufacturing a hygiene station, the method comprising: forming a base, comprising the base comprising a support surface; and a bowl adjacent the support surface, the bowl having a drain aperture near a bottom surface thereof; forming a basin; coupling the basin to the base such that the basin is positioned substantially beneath the bowl for receiving water from the drain aperture; providing a removable water source; and coupling a support member to the base for supporting the water source over the base.
 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising coupling a handle onto a back side of the base.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the support member for supporting the water source is the handle.
 15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the support member for supporting the water source is a hangar supported in the base and extending vertically therefrom.
 16. The method according the claim 12, wherein the basin is hingedly coupled beneath the bowl such that the basin may be opened.
 17. The method according to claim 12, further comprising forming an external drain aperture into the base for draining water to an external source.
 18. The method according to claim 13, further comprising coupling a handle compartment onto a back side of the base for housing the handle therein.
 19. The method according to claim 12, wherein the support surface is contoured and has padding thereon.
 20. A portable hygiene system, comprising: a portable hygiene station, the station comprising: a base, the base comprising a support surface, the support surface having a contoured configuration; and a bowl adjacent the support surface, the bowl having a drain aperture near a bottom surface thereof; and a basin coupled to the base and positioned substantially beneath the bowl for receiving water from the drain aperture; a removable water source; a support member coupled to the base for supporting the water source over the base; and a handle coupled onto the base; and an external drain line coupled onto the base for draining the water from the hygiene station. 